Pan-Fried Shoulder Chops with Balsamic Sauce

Pan-Fried Shoulder Chops with Balsamic Sauce

Shoulder chops are a flavourful and economical cut of lamb, ideal for grilling, broiling, pan-frying or braising. Here, a simple yet elegant deglazing of the pan with balsamic vinegar makes a tasty and attractive sauce.

Herbed Cheese Pinwheels

These savoury cheese-filled pastries come together in minutes and can be personalized to suit your tastes. Try cooked bacon and Cheddar, sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella, or sliced pitted olives and Havarti.

Gingerbread Cookie Butter

If you ate too much gingerbread over the holidays and aren’t sure what to do with the leftovers, we have your answer: cookie butter. Past-their-prime cookies are best suited to a sweet spread like this one, so round up any gingers that are no longer soft. Slather the butter onto shortbread or graham crackers, use it as a dip for salty pretzels or simply eat it by the spoonful!

Method

In large skillet, melt half of the butter over medium heat; cook apples, stirring often, until tender, about 12 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in almonds, honey, lemon juice and salt. Scrape into bowl; refrigerate until lukewarm, about 20 minutes.

In small microwaveable bowl, microwave remaining butter until melted. Place 1 sheet of the phyllo on work surface; keep remaining sheets covered with damp towel (to prevent drying out). Lightly brush phyllo with some of the remaining butter. Top with second sheet of the phyllo; lightly brush with some of the remaining butter. Repeat with remaining phyllo and some of the remaining butter. Halve layers lengthwise; cut crosswise into thirds to make 6 squares.

Press 1 square into bottom and up side of each well of 6-count muffin pan, leaving overhang. Divide apple mixture among cups; fold overhang over top of filling. Brush tops of phyllo with remaining butter. Bake in 350°F oven until golden, 28 to 30 minutes. Let cool in pan for 5 minutes; transfer to serving plates. Dust with icing sugar.

Phyllo Cups

Puff pastry is made by a time-consuming process of folding and rolling out dough brushed with butter. These layers expand during baking, giving it a "puff" effect that's light and flaky—the perfect base for appetizers and desserts.

Ingredients

4
sheets
frozen phyllo puff pastry

2 tablespoons
butter

Method

Thaw frozen phyllo pastry. In small microwaveable bowl, microwave butter until melted. Place 1 sheet of the phyllo on work surface; keep remaining sheets covered with damp towel (to prevent drying out). Lightly brush phyllo with some of the butter. Top with second sheet of the phyllo; lightly brush with some of the remaining butter. Repeat with remaining phyllo and butter.

Halve layers lengthwise; cut crosswise into thirds to make 6 squares. Press 1 square into bottom and up side of each well of 6-count muffin pan, pointing overhang outward. Bake in 400°F oven until golden, about 6 minutes. Let cool completely in pan. (Make-ahead: Store in airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month; reheat in 350°F oven until crisp, about 3 minutes.)